Organisers on a tight budget
If you’re buying taaitaai for a group, it helps to work out how many portions you need first. Then check how much is in each bag, rather than relying on the pack size alone.
Who is this for?
Organisers planning smaller portions
A stated portion size can be useful when planning how to hand out treats. Albert Heijn, for example, lists 25 portions of 14 g in a 350 g pack of AH Taai taai. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping treat portions small.
Organisers following allergen guidelines
If there are guidelines covering gluten or other allergens, check them against the label on the pack you’re buying. Even if a product is labelled gluten-free, you should still check the other ingredients.
What should you look for when buying?
First work out how much you want to hand out, then check which packs meet the school’s guidelines on allergens. After that, consider pack size and current availability.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| How much you need | Calculate the number of portions and compare it with the pack contents and any portion information given. | I’m buying for a large group and want to have enough to hand out without ending up with lots left over. Around 34% of consumers prioritise working out how much they need. |
| Allergens and school guidelines | Check which guidelines apply and read the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging. | If not everyone can eat the same taaitaai, I need to know which pack meets the guidelines before I buy. This is the first consideration for around 33% of consumers. |
| Portions to hand out | Check the stated portion size or number of pieces. A name such as ‘mini’ doesn’t tell you exactly how many pieces are in the pack. | I want to hand out small, predictable portions and know in advance how many treats I can prepare. Around 20% of consumers prioritise planning portions. |
| Availability | Check your store’s stock shortly before buying, and read the label when you make your purchase. | If I need a particular bag, I want to know whether it’ll be available in time. Around 13% of consumers give this reassurance top priority. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming regular taaitaai is suitable for every child
The regular products reviewed list cereals containing gluten and milk or milk protein. Some packs also warn that other allergens may be present.
Ask about the school’s guidelines and any relevant allergies in advance. Then check the label on the exact pack you plan to hand out.
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Assuming a product page guarantees you can buy the product
Jumbo marks the taaitaai products reviewed as no longer available in its online range. So a product page you viewed earlier doesn’t confirm that you’ll be able to get a particular pack for the fair.
Check availability at your store shortly before buying, and read the packaging when you make your purchase—even if you’ve already looked at the product information online.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn (AH-huismerk)
AH Taai taai is a regular 350 g pack. Albert Heijn lists 25 portions of 14 g.
- The portion information makes it easier to plan how much to hand out.
- The product information lists rye, wheat and milk protein, among other ingredients. Also check the current pack for warnings about the possible presence of other allergens.
Jumbo (huismerk)
Both the regular and mini taaitaai products reviewed from Jumbo come in 500 g packs. Jumbo lists around 36 portions for the mini version.
- The portion information for the mini version can help you plan how much to buy.
- Jumbo marks these products as no longer available in its online range. Check availability and the label if you’re looking for either version.
ALDI
ALDI describes a 500 g pack of aniseed-flavoured taai-taai in assorted shapes.
- The stated 500 g pack size helps you work out how many bags you need.
- If the school has allergen guidelines, check the ingredients and allergen information on the pack before buying.
PLUS (huismerk)
PLUS describes a 500 g St Nicholas and Piet version and a 250 g traditional version.
- The two pack sizes give you different options when working out how many bags you need.
- The versions reviewed list wheat, rye, milk and lactose. Check the rest of the allergen information on the pack you choose too.
Dirk (1 de Beste)
Dirk lists 1 de Beste Mini taai taai in a 500 g pack.
- The stated pack size helps you plan the total amount you’ll need.
- Check the pack in store for allergen information and the number of pieces.
Lidl
Lidl publishes recipe ideas for mini taaitaai.
- If you buy food from Lidl for the fair, check the packaging for ingredients, allergens and nutritional information.
Related Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Should I check the label if I’m handing out individually wrapped taaitaai?
Yes. Check the allergen information on the packaging you’re handing out. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that this information appears on the label of pre-packed foods. The regular taaitaai products reviewed list cereals containing gluten and milk or milk protein, among other ingredients.
Is gluten-free taaitaai suitable for every allergen requirement?
No. Gluten-free doesn’t mean free from all allergens. According to the product information, the gluten-free Consenza Taai taai poppetjes contain oats and almonds or nuts, so compare the full label with the relevant requirements.
What should I check with the school?
Before buying, ask about the school’s policy on treats and any relevant allergies or dietary requirements. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends considering children who don’t eat certain products because of an allergy or religious beliefs, and keeping portions small.
How should I store taaitaai until the fair?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack you’ve bought. The AH and PLUS product information reviewed recommends storing the products in a cool, dry, dark place. Albert Heijn advises keeping its taaitaai in a sealed tin once opened.